Daniel Scavilla, CEO of Dentsply Sirona, outlined the company's strategy for connected dentistry at the first Dentsply Sirona World Germany event in Bonn. With over 30 years in medical technology and pharmaceuticals, Scavilla is reshaping the company around customer-centric product development and organisational streamlining.

What is connected dentistry and why it matters

Connected dentistry describes seamless collaboration between dentists, laboratories, and patients through integrated digital technologies. Scavilla compared this shift to the smartphone revolution: there was once a time it seemed optional, but now it appears indispensable. The transition will not feel like a new way of working, but simply the way of working. When dentists can transfer and analyse complex data seamlessly, apply artificial intelligence in diagnostics, and collaborate more closely with patients, the result is more efficient practices and better patient outcomes.

How Dentsply Sirona is restructuring for customer needs

Scavilla is establishing a council of laboratory owners to work directly with him, recognising that understanding workflows between dentists and laboratories requires hearing from practitioners daily. The company is restructuring its sales approach in the US and across Europe, dedicating more representatives specifically to the laboratory business to build closer partnerships. Scavilla has made customer-centricity explicit organisational policy, stating that the company must instinctively view workflows through the dentist's eyes rather than occasionally. He cited an example of resolving a customer issue in Hawaii within one day as the standard of responsiveness he expects across all levels.

Strategic priorities and board changes

Dentsply Sirona's three key priorities for 2026 are strengthening the US business, sharpening the implant strategy, and accelerating the orthodontics business. To support these goals, the company is investing 50% more into its peer-to-peer clinical education program this year, with plans to increase investment again in 2027. Three new board members bring relevant expertise: Don Zurbay, former CEO of Patterson Companies, will advise on dealer relationships; Jim Forbes brings investment banking experience to support financial reengineering; and Brian McKeon contributes strategic thinking. All three priorities will extend beyond 2026 as part of a broader structural reset designed to free up capacity for commercial growth, clinical education, and innovation.